Falklands War veteran Simon Weston has been visiting a the region to meet residents and their families and to share his inspirational story.

The war hero - named Britain’s most heroic figure and also the nation’s favourite war hero in two separate polls, and who was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours – visited the Washington Manor care home, in Washington.

As well as meeting the residents and their families, he took part in a reminiscence day at the home, which sees people sharing personal stories from years gone by.

Simon shared his first-hand account of his recovery since suffering life-changing injuries in the Falklands conflict in 1982.

Aged just 20-years-old at the time, Welsh Guardsman Simon suffered 46 per cent burns when the Sir Galahad ship was bombed on its way to Bluff Cove in the Falklands. Out of his platoon of 30 men, 22 were killed.

Simon was given only a slim chance of survival and has endured years of reconstructive surgery, including more than 70 major operations.

Since that time, Simon has become a passionate advocate of the vital role that medical and practical support plays in aiding recovery from illness and trauma, and has recently become an ambassador for St Martins Care.

St Martins Care patron and Falklands War veteran Simon Weston during his visit to the Washington Manor care home in Washington. Simon chats with resident Irene Whitely (Image: Chris Booth)

Simon Weston said: “It is a real joy to visit Washington Manor today. I have been given expert and wonderful care throughout my life and fully appreciate the importance of people who provide high quality care for others either for age or infirmity.

“I enjoyed working closely with a Military Care Home for over 20 years and my role with St Martins Care gives me the opportunity to be able to contribute to and develop a business dedicated to doing things ‘properly’.

“I have always been about people and this is a perfect fit for me to help people improve their quality of life and hopefully make them smile.”

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Kevin Pattison, managing director of St Martins Care, said: “We are honoured to have Simon as our ambassador and are delighted he is coming up to visit our Washington Manor care home. Our residents and their families have been eagerly awaiting his visit.

“To have the endorsement of Simon Weston for our work is truly fantastic. Simon knows only too well how important and indeed life-changing outstanding care can be, so it is a real mark of distinction to have him as our ambassador.

“We are very grateful Simon is spending the day with our residents and their families and look forward to welcoming him back to the North East again in the near future.”